Game 4 report with Daryl Evans; Clague to Ontario; Reign first round schedule

In advance of Game 4 tonight at Staples Center, Daryl Evans and I joined forces in the corner where Zlatan once sat to preview tonight’s make-or-break game against the Vegas Golden Knights.

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Meanwhile, expect defensive prospect Kale Clague to be assigned to Ontario for the Calder Cup Playoffs, according to correspondence with hockey operations. Clague’s Moose Jaw Warriors, who finished with a WHL-best 109 points in 2017-18, dropped a second round, seven-game series to 103-point Swift Current by losing last night at home, 6-0. In 54 regular season games with Brandon and Moose Jaw, Clague totaled 11 goals and 71 points. He followed that up with a one-goal, 14-point postseason in 14 games.

The third-seeded Reign open up shop on the road at second-seeded Texas with a back-to-back set Thursday and Friday in Cedar Park before returning to the Inland Empire for a Sunday matinee. The winner of the series will face the winner of the Tucson-San Jose series. Ontario’s first round schedule:

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#27 | 6′ 1″ | 225 lb | Age: 24

Bio

Drafted by the Kings in 2011, Mersch is currently playing forward for the Reign. Last season, he drew into his first NHL game for the Kings, where he registered 2 shots and 3 hits.VIEW MICHAEL MERSCH POSTS

Michael Latta

#24 | 6′ 0″ | 207 lb | Age: 25

Born: 5/25/1991Birthplace: KITCHENER, ONPosition: FHandedness: Right

Bio

Prior to turning professional, Latta played major junior hockey in the OHL with the Ottawa 67’s and Guelph Storm. He was drafted into the NHL in 2009 and joined the King’s affiliate Reign in 2016.VIEW MICHAEL LATTA POSTS

Adrian Kempe

#09 | 6′ 1″ | 187 lb | Age: 20

Bio

Growing up in Swedan, Kempe made his hockey debut in 2014 in the Swedish Hockey League. He has since been drafted by the Kings, where he is playing for their AHL affiliate team, the Ontario Reign.VIEW ADRIAN KEMPE POSTS

Brett Sutter

#07 | 6′ 0″ | 192 lb | Age: 29

Born: 6/2/1987Birthplace: CALGARY, ABPosition: C

Bio

Drafted in 2005 by the Calgary Flames, Sutter was traded to the Reign in 2016. He is the son of LA Kings head couch Darryl Sutter, and the eighth member of the Sutter family to play in the NHL.VIEW BRETT SUTTER POSTS